RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on the afternoon of September 28, 2013, tragedy was averted by the quick response and selflessness of five employees of the Chicago Department of Transportation, who extricated a severely injured motorist from a flaming vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been advised of this event by Alderman John Pope of the 10th Ward and Alderman Marty Quinn of the 13th Ward; and
WHEREAS, near 7200 South Pulaski Road the motorist lost control of her vehicle, which crashed into a light pole and burst into flames; and
WHEREAS, a Department of Transportation asphalt crew was nearby, making repairs to the busy thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, upon hearing the crash and seeing the flames, the crew gave no thought to their own safety, ignoring the risk of explosion and the possibility of their own injury. Instead, they rushed to burning car, braved the flames, safely removed the driver from harm's way and called 9-1-1; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation crew who performed this heroic action were: David Torres, Asphalt Foreman; Alex Hampton, Motor Truck Driver; Christopher Haskell and John Vyhnanek, both Laborers; and
WHEREAS, all of these gentlemen are proud members of Laborers International Union of North America, Local 1001; and
WHEREAS, but for the quick thinking and bravery of these gentlemen, the motorist, who was transported to a local hospital by a Chicago Fire Department ambulance, would have suffered more serious injuries and in all likelihood might have perished; and
WHEREAS, the courage and selflessness they exhibited in this event are an example to all Chicagoans; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 16th day of October, 2013, do honor David Torres, Alex Hampton, Christopher Haskell and John Vyhnanek for their selfless response to danger and their willingness to risk their own safety to save the life of another; and
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John Popre
Alderman, 10th Ward...
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